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Ecumenism of martyrs

· With the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch the Pope recalls the suffering of Christians
·

Feb. 29, 2016

“The ecumenism of the martyrs is a summons to us, here and now, to
advance on the path to ever greater unity”. Pope Francis spoke to the the
Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Patriarch, Abuna Matthias I, in an audience on
Monday morning, 29 February, in the private library.

“From the beginning, yours
has been a Church of martyrs”, the Pope said. “Today too, you are witnessing a
devastating outbreak of violence against Christians and other minorities in the
Middle East and in some parts of Africa. We cannot fail, yet again, to implore
those who govern the world’s political and economic life to promote a peaceful
coexistence based on reciprocal respect and reconciliation, mutual forgiveness
and solidarity”.

“it is my fervent hope”, the Pope said, “that this meeting will
mark a new chapter of fraternal friendship between our Churches. We are conscious that history has left us
with a burden of painful misunderstandings and mistrust, and for this we seek
God’s pardon and healing. Let us pray
for one another, invoking the protection of the martyrs and saints upon all the
faithful entrusted to our pastoral care.
May the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten us and guide our steps towards
harmony and peace. May he nourish in us
the hope that one day, with God’s help, we will be united around the altar of
Christ’s sacrifice in the fullness of eucharistic communion”.